SoroushVahidi/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Agricultural aid to seed cultivation: An Agribot
(2016)

Machine intelligence is a developing technology which has made its way to various fields of engineering and technology. Robots are slowly being implemented in the field of agriculture, very soon AgriBots are to take over the agricultural fields and be used for various difficult and tiresome tasks involving agriculture. They have become the inevitable future of agriculture. This paper proposes an idea that will help in effective cultivation of vast areas of land left uncultivated or barren. Numerous farmers are dying during hill farming mainly due to falling from heights, which can be reduced by this technological effort. The proposed work will help in cultivation in remote areas and increase green cover as well as help farmers in harsh environments. The Agricultural Aid to Seed Cultivation (AASC) robot will be an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a camera, a digital image processing unit and a seed cultivation unit. A quadcopter is chosen as an aerial vehicle is independent of the form and shape of the ground and is not deterred by these factors while providing high mobility and reliability. The research aims about the new technology which can be suitable for any kind of remote farming.
The Adaptive Lasso and Its Oracle Properties
(2006)

The lasso is a popular technique for simultaneous estimation and variable selection. Lasso variable selection has been shown to be consistent under certain conditions. In this work we derive a necessary condition for the lasso variable selection to be consistent. Consequently, there exist certain scenarios where the lasso is inconsistent for variable selection. We then propose a new version of the lasso, called the adaptive lasso, where adaptive weights are used for penalizing different coefficients in the 1 penalty. We show that the adaptive lasso enjoys the oracle properties; namely, it performs as well as if the true underlying model were given in advance. Similar to the lasso, the adaptive lasso is shown to be near-minimax optimal. Furthermore, the adaptive lasso can be solved by the same efficient algorithm for solving the lasso. We also discuss the extension of the adaptive lasso in generalized linear models and show that the oracle properties still hold under mild regularity conditions. As a byproduct of our theory, the nonnegative garotte is shown to be consistent for variable selection.
An empirical examination of the factor structure of compassion
(2017)

Compassion has long been regarded as a core part of our humanity by contemplative traditions, and in recent years, it has received growing research interest. Following a recent review of existing conceptualisations, compassion has been defined as consisting of the following five elements: 1) recognising suffering, 2) understanding the universality of suffering in human experience, 3) feeling moved by the person suffering and emotionally connecting with their distress, 4) tolerating uncomfortable feelings aroused (e.g., fear, distress) so that we remain open to and accepting of the person suffering, and 5) acting or being motivated to act to alleviate suffering. As a prerequisite to developing a high quality compassion measure and furthering research in this field, the current study empirically investigated the factor structure of the five-element definition using a combination of existing and newly generated self-report items. This study consisted of three stages: a systematic consultation with experts to review items from existing self-report measures of compassion and generate additional items (Stage 1), exploratory factor analysis of items gathered from Stage 1 to identify the underlying structure of compassion (Stage 2), and confirmatory factor analysis to validate the identified factor structure (Stage 3). Findings showed preliminary empirical support for a five-factor structure of compassion consistent with the five-element definition. However, findings indicated that the 'tolerating' factor may be problematic and not a core aspect of compassion. This possibility requires further empirical testing. Limitations with items from included measures lead us to recommend against using these items collectively to assess compassion. Instead, we call for the development of a new self-report measure of compassion, using the five-element definition to guide item generation. We recommend including newly generated 'tolerating' items in the initial item pool, to determine whether or not factor-level issues are resolved once item-level issues are addressed.
PuppetGAN: Transferring Disentangled Properties from Synthetic to Real Images
(2019)

In this work we propose a model that enables controlled manipulation of visual attributes of real “target” images (e.g. lighting, expression or pose) using only implicit supervision with synthetic “source” exemplars. Specifically, our model learns a shared low-dimensional representation of input images from both domains in which a property of interest is isolated from other content features of the input. By using triplets of synthetic images that demonstrate modification of the visual property that we would like to control (for example mouth opening) we are able to perform disentanglement of image representations with respect to this property without using explicit attribute labels in either domain. Since our technique relies on triplets instead of explicit labels, it can be applied to shape, texture, lighting, or other properties that are difficult to measure or represent as explicit conditioners. We quantitatively analyze the degree to which trained models learn to isolate the property of interest from other content features with a proof-of-concept digit dataset and demonstrate results in a far more difficult setting, learning to manipulate real faces using a synthetic 3D faces dataset. We also explore limitations of our model with respect to differences in distributions of properties observed in two domains.
TimeSpan: Using Visualization to Explore Temporal Multi-dimensional Data of Stroke Patients
(2016)

We present TimeSpan, an exploratory visualization tool designed to gain a better understanding of the temporal aspects of the stroke treatment process. Working with stroke experts, we seek to provide a tool to help improve outcomes for stroke victims. Time is of critical importance in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients. Every minute that the artery stays blocked, an estimated 1.9 million neurons and 12 km of myelinated axons are destroyed. Consequently, there is a critical need for efficiency of stroke treatment processes. Optimizing time to treatment requires a deep understanding of interval times. Stroke health care professionals must analyze the impact of procedures, events, and patient attributes on time-ultimately, to save lives and improve quality of life after stroke. First, we interviewed eight domain experts, and closely collaborated with two of them to inform the design of TimeSpan. We classify the analytical tasks which a visualization tool should support and extract design goals from the interviews and field observations. Based on these tasks and the understanding gained from the collaboration, we designed TimeSpan, a web-based tool for exploring multi-dimensional and temporal stroke data. We describe how TimeSpan incorporates factors from stacked bar graphs, line charts, histograms, and a matrix visualization to create an interactive hybrid view of temporal data. From feedback collected from domain experts in a focus group session, we reflect on the lessons we learned from abstracting the tasks and iteratively designing TimeSpan.
Lower-extremity resistance training on unstable surfaces improves proxies of muscle strength, power and balance in healthy older adults: a randomised control trial
(2016)

BACKGROUND
It is well documented that both balance and resistance training have the potential to mitigate intrinsic fall risk factors in older adults. However, knowledge about the effects of simultaneously executed balance and resistance training (i.e., resistance training conducted on unstable surfaces [URT]) on lower-extremity muscle strength, power and balance in older adults is insufficient. The objective of the present study was to compare the effects of machine-based stable resistance training (M-SRT) and two types of URT, i.e., machine-based (M-URT) and free-weight URT (F-URT), on measures of lower-extremity muscle strength, power and balance in older adults.


METHODS
Seventy-five healthy community-dwelling older adults aged 65-80 years, were assigned to three intervention groups: M-SRT, M-URT and F-URT. Over a period of ten weeks, all participants exercised two times per week with each session lasting ~60 min. Tests included assessment of leg muscle strength (e.g., maximal isometric leg extension strength), power (e.g., chair rise test) and balance (e.g., functional reach test), carried out before and after the training period. Furthermore, maximal training load of the squat-movement was assessed during the last training week.


RESULTS
Maximal training load of the squat-movement was significantly lower in F-URT in comparison to M-SRT and M-URT. However, lower-extremity resistance training conducted on even and uneven surfaces meaningfully improved proxies of strength, power and balance in all groups. M-URT produced the greatest improvements in leg extension strength and F-URT in the chair rise test and functional reach test.


CONCLUSION
Aside from two interaction effects, overall improvements in measures of lower-extremity muscle strength, power and balance were similar across training groups. Importantly, F-URT produced similar results with considerably lower training load as compared to M-SRT and M-URT. Concluding, F-URT seems an effective and safe alternative training program to mitigate intrinsic fall risk factors in older adults.


TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial has been registered with clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT02555033 ) on 09/18/2015.
On Detecting Clustered Anomalies Using SCiForest
(2010)

Detecting local clustered anomalies is an intricate problem for many existing anomaly detection methods. Distance-based and density-based methods are inherently restricted by their basic assumptions—anomalies are either far from normal points or being sparse. Clustered anomalies are able to avoid detection since they defy these assumptions by being dense and, in many cases, in close proximity to normal instances. In this paper, without using any density or distance measure, we propose a new method called SCiForest to detect clustered anomalies. SCiForest separates clustered anomalies from normal points effectively even when clustered anomalies are very close to normal points. It maintains the ability of existing methods to detect scattered anomalies, and it has superior time and space complexities against existing distance-based and density-based methods.
Analysis and test procedures for NOR flash memory defects
(2008)

Widespread use of non-volatile memories, especially flash memories, in diverse applications such as in mobile computing and systemon-chip is becoming a common place. As a result, testing them for faults and reliability is drawing considerable interest of designers and researchers. One of the most predominant failure modes for which these memories must be tested is called disturb faults. In this paper, we first analyze different defects that are responsible for disturb faults using a 2-dimension device simulator. We determine the impact of various defects on cell performance and develop a methodology based on channel erase technique to detect these defects. Our tests are efficient and can be converted to march tests prevalently used to test memories. We also propose a very low cost design-for-testability approach that can be used to apply the test technique developed in this paper. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Systematic review of the efficacy of meditation techniques as treatments for medical illness.
(2006)

BACKGROUND
Meditative techniques are sought frequently by patients coping with medical and psychological problems. Because of their increasingly widespread appeal and use, and the potential for use as medical therapies, a concise and thorough review of the current state of scientific knowledge of these practices as medical interventions was conducted.


PURPOSE
To systematically review the evidence supporting efficacy and safety of meditative practices in treating illnesses, and examine areas warranting further study. Studies on normal healthy populations are not included.


METHODS
Searches were performed using PubMed, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane Database. Keywords were Meditation, Meditative Prayer, Yoga, Relaxation Response. Qualifying studies were reviewed and independently rated based on quality by two reviewers. Mid-to-high-quality studies (those scoring above 0.65 or 65% on a validated research quality scale) were included.


RESULTS
From a total of 82 identified studies, 20 randomized controlled trials met our criteria. The studies included 958 subjects total (397 experimentally treated, 561 controls). No serious adverse events were reported in any of the included or excluded clinical trials. Serious adverse events are reported in the medical literature, though rare. The strongest evidence for efficacy was found for epilepsy, symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms. Benefit was also demonstrated for mood and anxiety disorders, autoimmune illness, and emotional disturbance in neoplastic disease.


CONCLUSIONS
The results support the safety and potential efficacy of meditative practices for treating certain illnesses, particularly in nonpsychotic mood and anxiety disorders. Clear and reproducible evidence supporting efficacy from large, methodologically sound studies is lacking.
Analysis of open source Business Intelligence suites
(2013)

In recent time, technology applications in different fields, especially Business Intelligence (BI) have been developed rapidly and considered to be one of the most significant uses of information technology. BI is a broad category of applications and technologies for gathering, storing, analyzing, and providing access to data to help enterprise users make better business decisions. Whereas in the past the Business Intelligence market was strictly dominated by closed source and commercial tools, the last few years were characterized by the birth of open source solutions. This represents a tremendous competitive advantage, however the choice of a suitable open source BI suite is a challenge. The present study evaluated and compared the last versions of the five main Open Source Business Intelligence suites: JasperSoft, Palo, Pentaho, SpagoBI and Vanilla.
Machine Learning for Reliable Network Attack Detection in SCADA Systems
(2018)

Critical Infrastructures (CIs) use Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for remote control and monitoring. Sophisticated security measures are needed to address malicious intrusions, which are steadily increasing in number and variety due to the massive spread of connectivity and standardisation of open SCADA protocols. Traditional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) cannot detect attacks that are not already present in their databases. Therefore, in this paper, we assess Machine Learning (ML) for intrusion detection in SCADA systems using a real data set collected from a gas pipeline system and provided by the Mississippi State University (MSU). The contribution of this paper is two-fold: 1) The evaluation of four techniques for missing data estimation and two techniques for data normalization, 2) The performances of Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF) are assessed in terms of accuracy, precision, recall and F 1 score for intrusion detection. Two cases are differentiated: binary and categorical classifications. Our experiments reveal that RF detect intrusions effectively, with an F_1 score of respectively > 99%.
For Whom Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words ? Extensions of a Dual-Coding Theory of Multimedia Learning
(2004)

In 2 experiments, highand low-spatial ability students viewed a computer-generated animation and listened simultaneously (concurrent group) or successively (successive group) to a narration that explained the workings either of a bicycle tire pump (Experiment 1) or of the human respiratory system (Experiment 2). The concurrent group generated more creative solutions to subsequent transfer problems than did the successive group; this contiguity effect was strong for highbut not for low-spatial ability students. Consistent with a dual-coding theory, spatial ability allows high-spatial learners to devote more cognitive resources to building referential connections between visual and verbal representations of the presented material, whereas low-spatial ability learners must devote more cognitive resources to building representation connections between visually presented material and its visual representation.
Understanding network failures in data centers: measurement, analysis, and implications
(2011)

We present the first large-scale analysis of failures in a data center network. Through our analysis, we seek to answer several fundamental questions: which devices/links are most unreliable, what causes failures, how do failures impact network traffic and how effective is network redundancy? We answer these questions using multiple data sources commonly collected by network operators. The key findings of our study are that (1) data center networks show high reliability, (2) commodity switches such as ToRs and AggS are highly reliable, (3) load balancers dominate in terms of failure occurrences with many short-lived software related faults,(4) failures have potential to cause loss of many small packets such as keep alive messages and ACKs, and (5) network redundancy is only 40% effective in reducing the median impact of failure.
Networked Pixels: Strategies for Building Visual and Auditory Images with Distributed Independent Devices
(2017)

This paper describes the development of the hardware and software for Bloom, a light installation installed at Kew Gardens, London in December of 2016. The system is made up of a set of nearly 1000 distributed pixel devices each with LEDs, GPS sensor, and sound hardware, networked together with WiFi to form a display system. Media design for this system required consideration of the distributed nature of the devices. We outline the software and hardware designed for this system, and describe two approaches to the software and media design, one whereby we employ the distributed devices themselves for computation purposes (the approach we ultimately selected), and another whereby the devices are controlled from a central server that is performing most of the computation necessary. We then review these approaches and outline possibilities for future research.
Corpora – the best possible solution for tracking rare phenomena in underresourced languages : clitics in Bosnian , Croatian and Serbian
(2017)

Complex linguistic phenomena, such as Clitic Climbing in Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian, are often described intuitively, only from the perspective of the main tendency. In this paper, we argue that web corpora currently offer the best source of empirical material for studying Clitic Climbing in BCS. They thus allow the most accurate description of this phenomenon, as less frequent constructions can be tracked only in big, well-annotated data sources. We compare the properties of web corpora for BCS with traditional sources and give examples of studies on CC based on web corpora. Furthermore, we discuss problems related to web corpora and suggest some improvements for
Improving deep neural networks using softplus units
(2015)

Recently, DNNs have achieved great improvement for acoustic modeling in speech recognition tasks. However, it is difficult to train the models well when the depth grows. One main reason is that when training DNNs with traditional sigmoid units, the derivatives damp sharply while back-propagating between layers, which restrict the depth of model especially with insufficient training data. To deal with this problem, some unbounded activation functions have been proposed to preserve sufficient gradients, including ReLU and softplus. Compared with ReLU, the smoothing and nonzero properties of the in gradient makes softplus-based DNNs perform better in both stabilization and performance. However, softplus-based DNNs have been rarely exploited for the phoneme recognition task. In this paper, we explore the use of softplus units for DNNs in acoustic modeling for context-independent phoneme recognition tasks. The revised RBM pre-training and dropout strategy are also applied to improve the performance of softplus units. Experiments show that, the DNNs with softplus units get significantly performance improvement and uses less epochs to get convergence compared to the DNNs trained with standard sigmoid units and ReLUs.
Analyzing and predicting viral tweets
(2013)

Twitter and other microblogging services have become indispensable sources of information in today's web. Understanding the main factors that make certain pieces of information spread quickly in these platforms can be decisive for the analysis of opinion formation and many other opinion mining tasks.
 This paper addresses important questions concerning the spread of information on Twitter. What makes Twitter users retweet a tweet? Is it possible to predict whether a tweet will become "viral", i.e., will be frequently retweeted? To answer these questions we provide an extensive analysis of a wide range of tweet and user features regarding their influence on the spread of tweets. The most impactful features are chosen to build a learning model that predicts viral tweets with high accuracy. All experiments are performed on a real-world dataset, extracted through a public Twitter API based on user IDs from the TREC 2011 microblog corpus.
Structural-RNN: Deep Learning on Spatio-Temporal Graphs
(2016)

Deep Recurrent Neural Network architectures, though remarkably capable at modeling sequences, lack an intuitive high-level spatio-temporal structure. That is while many problems in computer vision inherently have an underlying high-level structure and can benefit from it. Spatiotemporal graphs are a popular tool for imposing such high-level intuitions in the formulation of real world problems. In this paper, we propose an approach for combining the power of high-level spatio-temporal graphs and sequence learning success of Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs). We develop a scalable method for casting an arbitrary spatio-temporal graph as a rich RNN mixture that is feedforward, fully differentiable, and jointly trainable. The proposed method is generic and principled as it can be used for transforming any spatio-temporal graph through employing a certain set of well defined steps. The evaluations of the proposed approach on a diverse set of problems, ranging from modeling human motion to object interactions, shows improvement over the state-of-the-art with a large margin. We expect this method to empower new approaches to problem formulation through high-level spatio-temporal graphs and Recurrent Neural Networks.